OLLI RU at Rutgers University

The OLLI-RU community mourns the loss of Gerald "Gerry" Pomper, a beloved instructor, dedicated lifelong learner, and cherished friend.

After a distinguished career as one of the nation's leading political scientists and a longtime Rutgers professor, Gerry continued sharing his passion for learning through OLLI-RU, where he taught courses, inspired students, and remained an enthusiastic participant in classes himself. Gerry so believed in the art of teaching that he named an award in honor of his late wife, the Marlene M. Pomper Award for Teaching Excellence. It was also through OLLI-RU that he met his beloved second wife, Sandy Bergelson, a testament to the connections and community he valued so deeply.

Gerry's intellect, humor, and generosity touched countless lives. We are grateful for the many years he shared with OLLI-RU and will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with Sandy, his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Thank you, Gerry, for a life devoted to learning, teaching, and inspiring others.

Remembering Gerald M. Pomper, Longtime Distinguished American Political Science Scholar Gerald M. Pomper, a national scholar in voter behavior and American presidential politics who dedicated his nearly six-decade career to Rutgers University, died on May 21.  He was 91.

Before it hits the big screen… read the story that started it all.
For nearly 3,000 years, The Odyssey has captivated readers with its tale of adventure, resilience, and the long journey home. Written in ancient Greece, it remains as relevant today as ever—offering insights into identity, perseverance, and what it means to find your way back.

This summer, experience it in a new way. A major film adaptation directed by Christopher Nolan arrives in July—so now is the perfect time to read (or revisit) the original.

We’ll read the full work (Emily Wilson translation recommended) and explore its major themes through informal, engaging discussion—connecting this ancient epic to our lives today.
Registration: https://olliru.rutgers.edu/

Wednesdays, May 27 – June 17 (4 weeks)
1:00 – 2:30 PM | In-person, New Brunswick
Instructor: Steve Yacik

Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzw2ttJD2qQ&t=5s

Join Flannery O’Connor: Selected Short Stories course this summer at OLLI RU - One of the greatest short story writers in American literature, O'Connor created universes as profound as Hawthorne or Camus. With a blend of violence and humor she exposed the consequences of sin and the nature of human redemption. We will begin with "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," and move on to "The Displaced Person," "Everything that Rises Must Converge," "The Lame Shall Enter First," and conclude with "Revelation." I intend to post the stories online and can recommend additional ones.
Tuesdays, May 26 – June 23 (5 weeks). Location: New Brunswick. Instructor: George Schroepfer
Registration at: https://olliru.rutgers.edu/register?combine=flannery

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